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ORLANDO — There were some empty seats at the Amway Center for Florida’s victory over Pittsburgh on Saturday. In part, the reason was a tragedy in the nearby suburb of Windemere, when a police officer from that town’s force was shot and killed in an incident that also included an apparent double-suicide.

The crowd was announced at 18,540 for Saturday’s session, with Louisville vs. St. Louis as the second game.

As a result of the police investigation in Windemere, drivers were being routed out of that area to Interstate 4, which increased already heavy volume normally associated with a sunny spring day and people going to theme parks.

According to Orange County Police, Windemere officer Robert German called for backup when he became suspicious of two pedestrians. When other officers arrived, German had been shot and was transported to the Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he later died. When officers were trying to give first aid to German at the scene, they heard gunshots and later found the bodies of a man and woman in a nearby bush. Police are tentatively ruling it a double suicide, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

There were also several accidents on I-4 that further delayed fans trying to get to the Amway Center.

Foul or not?

One of the reasons Florida guard Scottie Wilbekin was able to hit a running 3-point shot from the top of the key at the first-half buzzer against Pitt was because the Panthers failed to execute what has become conventional strategy at the end of a first half: when one team has the ball for a final shot but is not in the bonus when the other team has fouls to give.

Michael Young of the Panthers hit a 15-footer with 8.3 seconds left in the half to close Florida’s lead to 24-22. Pitt had only four team fouls and Wilbekin was fouled once, with about 5 second left.

With two more fouls to give, Pitt allowed Wilbekin to catch the inbounds pass, race across midcourt and launch his shot.

“I don’t know if it was a turning point — we lost by 16 points,” Panthers coach Jamie Dixon said. “But it’s my fault. I’m going to take full responsibility.”

Failed spelling test

The name card for Florida coach Billy Donovan that was placed on the podium for his postgame news conference was spelled “Donavan.” When someone pointed it out, the NCAA moderator joked that no one noticed Friday during a Donovan news conference.

Of course if it was noticed Friday by the NCAA, why wasn’t it changed?

Donovan took it in good humor, telling the moderator, “We’ll talk about this later.”

Coaches in the house

Fans watching the Florida-Pittsburgh game quickly noticed two people in the stands: New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.

Belichick, a long-time friend of Donovan’s, was wearing a Gators visor.

“I always appreciate the amount of time over the years he’s given me,” Donovan said.